Philip Lee Friesen

Philip Lee Friesen passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on March 05, 2023, at the age of 80 years. Philip was born to Clarence and Gertrude Friesen of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, in October 1942. In April 1957, he moved with his family from Minn. to San Gabriel, Calif. After graduating from Mark Keppel High, he joined the US Air Force in September 1960. After completing four years in the military, Phil moved to Phoenix, Az, working for Lockheed Air Service for the next four years as an Electronic specialist. He married Brenda Joyce Wade in June 1965 and had three children together. In 1968 the family moved to El Monte, Ca. where Phil worked at Hoffman Electronics, later known as Gould Electronics, as an engineering technician. His last position was Manager of Customer Service, working with military contracts. In Oct 1989, he moved to Grants Pass, Or, and began his new career at Century21 Harris & Taylor. He worked there for 30 years as an agent and then as a broker, retiring in October 2019. In 1995 he was divorced, and in Sept 1997 married Diana Burlington of Grants Pass, who predeceased him in December 2022.

Phil was a member of the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass. When his wife became ill, and they were homebound, he stayed in touch with members of his congregation. He loved reading God’s word and serving God in Christ’s church.

His favorite pastimes were fishing, boating, RVing, and enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. He loved listening to music and tinkering around the yard or his shop. He had a great sense of humor and always had a joke ready. Phil could always be counted on to help those in need.

Phil is survived by his three children, Laura (Bert) Gutierrez, Kevin Friesen, and Cheryl (Joey) Collins; his siblings David Friesen, Phyllis Brunton (twin sister), Thomas Friesen, Linda Murrey, Kenneth Friesen, and William Friesen; two step-children John (Dawn) Burlington, and Bonnie Crawford; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased include Phil’s wife, Diana Friesen; his son’s wife, Michelle Ownby; his brother James Friesen; and his beloved dog, Cookie.

Military funeral honors will be held on May 19, 2023, at 11:45 AM at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA. A private reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/riverside-ca/philip-friesen-11185877